Chelsea announced it will demand monetary compensation from Manchester City should the English club confirm Enzo Maresca as its new manager. The Blues claim the Italian coach breached protocol by speaking with City while still under contract, and they are prepared to lodge a formal Premier League complaint if a settlement is not reached.

Chelsea's demand for compensation if City hire Maresca

According to the report, Chelsea officials are ready to pursue legal recourse after Maresca’s rumored appointment at Manchester City . the west London side says the alleged breach of confidentiality warrants a financial settlement, and it will approach the Premier League for arbitration if City refuses to negotiate.

Enzo Maresca's controversial exit from Chelsea on Jan 2

The source notes that Maresca left Chelsea on 2 January after skipping post‑match media duties following a draw with Bournemouth, a move that rendered his position untenable .. His departure came amid a run of poor results that dropped the club from second place, and a caretaker manager now oversees the remainder of a disappointing season.

Guardiola's pending departure and City’s succession speculation

Daily Mail Sport revealed that Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City, and Maresca is widely tipped as his successor. guardiola’s exit, coupled with the Italian’s prior role as City’s U‑23 coach and first‑team assistant in 2022‑23, fuels speculation that City intends to install a familiar tactical hand.

Will Manchester City negoiate a settlement or face a Premier League hearing?

One open question is whether City will agree to Chelsea’s compensation demand or allow the dispute to be examined by the Premier League. The league’s investigation could set a precedent for handling alleged poaching incidents, but the source does not disclose any ongoing talks between the clubs.

Unresolved legal question: will the Premier League intervene?

If the clubs cannot reach an agreement, Chelsea says it will file a formal complaint, prompting the Premier League to investigate possible breaches of contract and confidentiality.. The outcome could influence future managerial moves across the league, yet the report offers no timeline for a decision.